The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 Review: Homecoming

On The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1, “Homecoming,” Jesus’ followers struggle to return to their daily lives. The things they previously left behind challenge them to a feat of strength.

As the episode begins, the narrative focuses on Matthew’s past. His decision to become a tax collector wedged a gap between his family and their faith. While disappointed his father wouldn’t accept him, Matthew refused to give up on the career path he had begun.

It seems very unlikely that we will ever grow out of wanting to please our parents. We look for their blessing in all we do, and if we don’t get it, we abandon ship as soon as possible.   

Matthew’s resolve to keep moving ahead is something we should all subscribe to. 

Fast forwarding to the current timeline, we see snippets of Jesus addressing the crowd with heartfelt pleas for holiness. If we do the opposite of what the world teaches, we will be blessed. 

This is the Sermon on the Mount that was missing from the previous episode. While delivered intently, the words can be misconstrued when looking at them through a modern-day lens. With only pieces of this important message focused upon, it is difficult for the viewer to feel anything except for a couple of bouts of emotion.

It still seems this small segment may have found a better home on the Season 2 finale instead of where it lands here. Also, the story would feel far more cohesive and valuable with proper intention paid towards the meaning behind the words. 

When the speech ends, Jesus requests His followers take a break from the ministry they helped establish over the last few months. He knows their hearts and can see the exhaustion that has taken over them. If they are to be of any use to the faith, they need some time to recuperate.

It seems this has to be out of left field for His followers. They’ve been on this journey for so long that the thought of returning to a less nomadic lifestyle has to be scary. At least half of them have no place to go.

Of course, Simon has his home with his loving wife, Eden, but Matthew is an entirely different story. 

Between the falling out with his parents and the abandoning of his post as a tax collector, Matthew has no one except for the people he is traveling with. He is nervous and scared about how to proceed.

Can he bring himself to knock on his father’s door? After all, the last time they spoke the man denied he ever had a son.

Matthew’s fear is completely understandable. Looking to make amends with others is never an easy task. Sometimes the greatest step forward is admitting you were wrong.

Jesus: Seek first the Kingdom of God.

Mary welcomes several of the other women to stay with her temporarily. Her home is small and without food, but it is still sheltered from the outside elements. 

When we have very little, we tend to want to hoard the tiny bit we have. Mary’s act of kindness shows great character.

Don’t forget how looked down upon she has been. Mary has so many reasons to close off her heart and shutter her soul from anyone and everyone. But by sharing her home, she is giving up nearly everything — her generosity is heartwarming. 

Amidst all of these scenes, the most effective ones involve Judas. The approach to this character is quite intriguing.

The minute his name was mentioned in the previous episode, our minds were filled with thoughts of betrayal. This is the man who eventually betrays Jesus for 30 silver coins. How can he be anything but evil?

Interestingly enough, the writers approach this character with very human traits — something you don’t always see in a villain.

Judas is a young man lost in the world. He looks to his mentor for direction but doesn’t quite find what he is looking for. His introduction to Jesus appears to be the thing that will change all of that. 

Judas could be any random teenager searching for a greater purpose outside of everything they’ve been taught. This is what makes him relatable — we’ve all been in his shoes. 

It will be exciting to see how the character progresses over the rest of the season and beyond. Just because we know the ending doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the journey.

Strangely enough, this episode gives us more closure to Season 2 than the actual finale gave us. Instead of opening new paths like typical season openers, “Homecoming,” closes out several story threads. 

We see fragments of the Sermon on the Mount, and apologies are given to Mary. Matthew is greeted by his father, and Jesus goes off on His own. Yet very few new ideas are introduced to see where this season will take us.

Are we building up to another big sermon, or are we going to be led down the path of the crucifixion? 

Since the storytelling of this series is less than traditional, this is ultimately forgivable. No harm, no foul, let’s get back to the playing field. 

What did you think of this episode of The Chosen? What Bible story would you like to see covered next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Chosen airs Sunday at 8/7c on The CW.

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